India has suspended visa service for Canadians. Here are your top questions answered
Saloni Bhugra | CBC News | Posted: Friday, September 22nd, 2023 9:32 PM | Last Updated: October 5th
India's Ministry of External Affairs says it will review the situation on a regular basis'
India's visa processing centre in Canada suspended services Thursday as a rift widened between the countries after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said India may have been involved in the killing of a pro-Khalistan activist and president of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in British Columbia, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
So what does that mean for Canadians planning trips to India? Here's what we know so far:
Who does this affect?
Canadian citizens who do not have a visa for India or were in the process of applying for one.
What type of Indian visa can I apply for?
India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the decision to stop all categories of visas, including e-visas, for Canadian Citizens. If you're a Canadian national wondering whether you can apply for an Indian visa from a third country, like the U.S., you will be subjected to the same suspension of services.
I've already got a plane ticket and I'm heading to the airport. Will my trip be affected?
If you have a valid visa or an Indian passport, you can travel. There is no travel restriction. The announcement is about suspension of visa services in Canada, which means Canadian nationals can't apply for visas or get them processed until the Government of India resumes visa services.
NOTE: A visa does not guarantee you admission to a country. It permits one to present themselves at a port of entry to seek admission.
Should I be worried for my Canadian family member in India right now? Can they return to Canada?
If a Canadian national in India needs an extension of visa, they won't be able to receive one. But if they have a visa, they are allowed to stay in India or travel back and forth.
WATCH | India suspends visa services in Canada:
Is traveling to India right now a safety risk for me?
Canada has regional travel advisories for Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujrat, and Rajasthan.
India has a travel advisory for Indian nationals and international students in Canada.
I'm planning to go back in November or December for a wedding. What does this mean for that trip?
A lot of people travel to India during those months, be it for holidays or for weddings. If you have a visa or an Indian passport you can travel.
The Ministry of External Affairs in India says it will "review the situation on a regular basis." You can find updates on India's visa processing platform, BLS International. CBC is also closely monitoring the situation. You can find updates on our website or CBC News app.
Does this mean people in India won't be able to book trips to Canada?
Indian nationals with a valid visa to Canada are still allowed to travel to Canada. Canada is making staffing changes to its high commission and consulate in India, citing online threats to diplomats. It is too early to say what the situation will look like in the coming months, weeks or even days.
Will this affect Indians applying for Canadian visas? What about incoming international students?
So far, Canada has not suspended its visa services in India.
The Indian government says it's asked for "parity" in staffing, pointing out that Canada has more diplomatic presence in India than India does in Canada. India has requested Canada's presence be reduced.
The High Commission of Canada has said it is temporarily adjusting its staff presence at its commission and consulate locations in India, due to "some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms."
In the coming days and weeks, this could mean delays in visa processing, or suspension of visa services.
Can people who already possess visas still enter the country?
Those in Canada who possess valid visas to India, or those who have overseas citizenship of India are free to travel to India.
WATCH | The personal impact of India's suspension of visa processing:
I am an Indian citizen. Can I travel to India?
Yes. If you are an Indian national (passport holder), you don't require any visa to enter India.
What if I applied for a visa before this announcement?
Your visa application will not be processed until further notice from the Indian government.
Do Canadians need a transit visa?
If you don't need to leave the airport, you do not need a transit visa in India. However, if your trip requires a stay in India, you require a transit visa. Canadian nationals are unable to obtain a transit visa until the suspension of visa services is lifted.
How long will this last?
That's the million-dollar question. This is an evolving situation. The Indian government has said they are reviewing the situation on a regular basis.
What if I have tickets booked and don't have a visa?
In a statement to CBC News, Air Canada said, "We continue to operate our normal service to India of 19 flights a week. For customers who may be affected by new visa requirements we have put in place a flexible rebooking policy so they can change their flights with no change fee if they need more time to prepare."
We have a cruise booked for December and have applied for, but not received, our travel visa for India. Will we have to remain on board when we are in port or can we even board the ship if we don't get our visa?
No. Regardless of how you enter any country, by air, land, or water, you require a visa unless you're exempt from visa requirements for that country. In this case, you need a one year tourist visa. At the moment you won't be able to get one due to the visa suspension.
I understand your trip is in December, I hope things change before that.
But if I were you, I would have a backup plan. If the suspension isn't lifted, can you rebook, can you get a refund? Can you ask the cruise for a different destination?
India's online visa website has more information on cruise visas.
I have a valid multiple-entry Indian visa. I went to India in February and need to go again in November. My visa expires on Dec. 20, 2023. Can I still use the visa to go to India in November if I return by Dec. 20th?
Yes. According to the Consulate General of India's website, you can travel with a passport on which visa is applied, it must have at least two blank pages and must have a validity of more than 190 days. Passengers holding valid visas may be denied entry into India if the validity of their passports is less than 180 days at the time of entry into India.
You have to just make sure you leave before your visa expires, in your case it seems like it is valid till Dec 20th.
Did the Indian government state when or if they are going to refund e-visa applications that are currently in processing?
Application fees for an Indian visa are non-refundable if you get rejected, or if service is denied.
I am an Indian student in the process of applying for a Canadian visa for my winter 2024 intake at a Canadian university, should I be concerned about India asking Canada to remove diplomats?
If Canada removes 41 out of its 62 diplomats in India by Oct. 10, it will affect their functioning and services in India. That could mean delays or suspension of visa services for Indian people applying for a Canadian visa.
I have a student visa and my tickets are booked. Can I still enter?
Yes, there are no travel restrictions if you have a valid student, work, or tourist visa. Please check the travel advisories before you travel.
Have more questions about India's visa service suspension? Write to us at: [email protected]